Haryana police to start Operation Durga across the state to nab ‘romeos’

Two weeks back, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s flying squads, along with the CID, had started Operation Durga, which was stopped within a week. Operation Durga is akin to Uttar Pradesh government’s Operation Romeo.

Haryana police will re-launch ‘Operation Durga’ across the state from Monday in a bid to check unwarranted activities of ‘romeos’ and ensure women’s safety, according to director general of police (DGP) BS Sandhu.

During the fortnight- long first phase of the exercise starting May 1, police squads from local police stations will keep a vigil at schools, colleges, markets, malls, and other crowded places.

“The objective is to ensure safety of women. Operation Durga is not about moral policing,” the newly-appointed DGP said in his maiden press conference after holding a series of meetings with senior police officers to review the law and order situation in the state.

Two weeks back, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s flying squads, along with the CID, had started Operation Durga, which was stopped within a week. Operation Durga is akin to Uttar Pradesh government’s Operation Romeo.

Asserting that curbing crime against women will be among his top priorities, the DGP assured that police will not harass anyone and that couples in parks will neither be bothered nor targeted under this drive.

“The objective is to provide a safe environment for everyone and make Haryana safe for women,” DGP Sandhu said, pointing out that the state government had posted five women IPS officers as superintendent of police (SP) in districts such as Hisar, Rewari and Palwal, and will help run the operation smoothly.

The DGP said that earlier this exercise was launched for a limited days and now the police will continue this drive. “This will now be a continuous movement,” he said.

CONCERNED ABOUT DRUGS

Admitting that prevalence of the drugs in Haryana was a matter of “serious concern”, the DGP said he has given strict instructions to field officers to act tough and catch big drug smugglers.

DGP Sandhu said an advisory was also issued to field staff about the kind of action to be taken against those supplying or smuggling narcotics. “Police personnel will have to be vigilant, not only in the districts adjoining Punjab but also throughout the state, especially the region bordering Delhi,” he said while responding to a question.

The police crack- down, he said, will focus on smashing drug supply line by nabbing big fish.